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Heart of Enquiry #5
Never Say Never to an Earl
A Wallflower Who Guards Her Secrets
Miss Polly Kent has no illusions about finding love. Not only is she a wallflower, but her freakish ability to read others’ emotions has led to devastating rejection time and again. When it comes to her future, she knows that a marriage of convenience, one in which she can keep her secret affliction hidden, is the only safe choice. Yet when fate throws her into the path of the ton’s wildest rake, she discovers that desire can jeopardize the most carefully laid plans…
A Rake Who Makes No Apologies for His Past
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke and heir to a duke, has a reputation darker than London’s fog. His exploits have made him the envy of men and the desire of women, but behind his wild and jaded façade lies a painful secret. He knows that no woman can love the devil inside him, yet when he is accused of a ghastly crime, the only one who stands by him is a beautiful virgin, one whose wanton innocence makes him long for the one thing he cannot have…
When Good and Wicked Make Perfect
A marriage that begins with smoldering passion soon deepens into something more. All the while, a dangerous enemy lurks, waiting to strike. As Sinjin and Polly untangle the threads of mystery to clear his name, they must confront their greatest fears, risking all for their love—and their very lives.
Length: Full-length novel
Sensuality level: A hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes
Miss Polly Kent has no illusions about finding love. Not only is she a wallflower, but her freakish ability to read others’ emotions has led to devastating rejection time and again. When it comes to her future, she knows that a marriage of convenience, one in which she can keep her secret affliction hidden, is the only safe choice. Yet when fate throws her into the path of the ton’s wildest rake, she discovers that desire can jeopardize the most carefully laid plans…
A Rake Who Makes No Apologies for His Past
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke and heir to a duke, has a reputation darker than London’s fog. His exploits have made him the envy of men and the desire of women, but behind his wild and jaded façade lies a painful secret. He knows that no woman can love the devil inside him, yet when he is accused of a ghastly crime, the only one who stands by him is a beautiful virgin, one whose wanton innocence makes him long for the one thing he cannot have…
When Good and Wicked Make Perfect
A marriage that begins with smoldering passion soon deepens into something more. All the while, a dangerous enemy lurks, waiting to strike. As Sinjin and Polly untangle the threads of mystery to clear his name, they must confront their greatest fears, risking all for their love—and their very lives.
Length: Full-length novel
Sensuality level: A hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2016
About the author
Grace Callaway
38 books1,005 followers
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Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 9, 2022
2nd re-read on 5/5/2022.
This one still deserves 5 stars from me.
1st read on 30/5/2021.
I absolutely adored Sinjin and Polly! They were great together. Kudos to Ms. Callaway for putting forth bipolar disease as the story's main conflict. I would have loved it more if she had put in the treatments available at that time and how Sinjin and Polly dealt with Sinjin's condition. It felt as if she swept it under the carpet. I also would prefer if Polly was able to retain her special abilities (she could see people's emotions via the aura surrounding a person). I feel that would be more interesting.
Very steamy as per Ms. Callaway's other books. This is one of the best books in the series. Recommended!
This one still deserves 5 stars from me.
1st read on 30/5/2021.
I absolutely adored Sinjin and Polly! They were great together. Kudos to Ms. Callaway for putting forth bipolar disease as the story's main conflict. I would have loved it more if she had put in the treatments available at that time and how Sinjin and Polly dealt with Sinjin's condition. It felt as if she swept it under the carpet. I also would prefer if Polly was able to retain her special abilities (she could see people's emotions via the aura surrounding a person). I feel that would be more interesting.
Very steamy as per Ms. Callaway's other books. This is one of the best books in the series. Recommended!
May 9, 2020
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke is in trouble, accused of a horrible crime he cannot remember he needs help finding out the truth before he is locked away and labelled insane, his quest leads him unexpectedly to innocent Miss Polly Kent, the sister of the man/investigator he wishes to hire. He never wanted marriage or to dally with an innocent but there's just something about Polly that draws him in.
There were some very tiny instances where the writing/language used didn't work for me, for example when Sinjin refers to the heroines breasts as magnificent bubbies, seeing that word had me re-reading the entire sentence.
The attraction/chemistry between Polly and Sinjin worked rally well and lead to a fair few steamy scenes. The two together work very well. I would have loved to have pages where Polly and Sinjin deal with each other after learning the secrets each was holding. When it came to Polly's ability
The attitudes of people to mental health in this were bad. Also, for me more depth and emotional intensity needed to be laced into the book/plot when it came to addressing , that being said it was interesting reading how he tried to understand himself.
Polly's family were fab and I'm looking forward to reading more about them.
Overall I really enjoyed this and can see myself picking the book up again.
Potential Triggers:
There were some very tiny instances where the writing/language used didn't work for me, for example when Sinjin refers to the heroines breasts as magnificent bubbies, seeing that word had me re-reading the entire sentence.
The attraction/chemistry between Polly and Sinjin worked rally well and lead to a fair few steamy scenes. The two together work very well. I would have loved to have pages where Polly and Sinjin deal with each other after learning the secrets each was holding. When it came to Polly's ability
The attitudes of people to mental health in this were bad. Also, for me more depth and emotional intensity needed to be laced into the book/plot when it came to addressing , that being said it was interesting reading how he tried to understand himself.
Polly's family were fab and I'm looking forward to reading more about them.
Overall I really enjoyed this and can see myself picking the book up again.
Potential Triggers:
March 28, 2017
I liked a great deal about this book and am happy to have found a good historical romance author to read!
The psychological aspects of this romance make it compelling. The hero is bi polar in a time when there is no real treatment nor understanding of the condition. The heroine has self esteem, trust, and body issues.
They are both good people and the sexual chemistry between them is hot. This is s very sexy book.
The heroine's family is as wonderful as the hero's family is awful.
The plot of the story is well paced with lots of great secondary characters.
The history bit is very thin even with an awful peek into the treatment of the mentally ill at the time. The heroine's sister is fairly unlovely and doesn't make me want her to be the heroine of the next book nor buy in this heroine's adoration of her.
However, overall this was a very engaging read.
The psychological aspects of this romance make it compelling. The hero is bi polar in a time when there is no real treatment nor understanding of the condition. The heroine has self esteem, trust, and body issues.
They are both good people and the sexual chemistry between them is hot. This is s very sexy book.
The heroine's family is as wonderful as the hero's family is awful.
The plot of the story is well paced with lots of great secondary characters.
The history bit is very thin even with an awful peek into the treatment of the mentally ill at the time. The heroine's sister is fairly unlovely and doesn't make me want her to be the heroine of the next book nor buy in this heroine's adoration of her.
However, overall this was a very engaging read.
June 15, 2019
I've read this one at least 3-4 times. The most compelling part of it to me (besides the continuation of the story and the characters I have invested in from the beginning of the series) is the hero's struggle with his mental health issues. It is so well portrayed for the time period it is set in, and it makes his character all the more interesting. As with the other books in this series, there is an element of suspense/mystery/danger, and the plot unfolds beautifully while keeping you glued to the pages. Also, there is a SUPER HOT scene on a balcony... and that is all I am going to say about that so as not to spoil it!
September 20, 2022
I re-read this recently!! Still love it. only thing is I cannot look at the name sinjin without thinking of this guy 😂😂😂
so even tho book sinjin was described as insanely hot i just genuinely couldn't picture him as anyone BUT the original Sinjin.
Original review:
THIS BOOK WAS HOT. HOOOTTTT. LITERALLY THE TYPE OF BOOK YOU GOTTA EXCUSE YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY AND LOCK URSELF IN UR BEDROOM. THAT TYPE OF BOOK I CANNOT LIEEEE. FUCCKKK I LOVE GRACE CALLAWAY. KEEP EM COMING QUEEN OF SMUT ROMANCE
so even tho book sinjin was described as insanely hot i just genuinely couldn't picture him as anyone BUT the original Sinjin.
Original review:
THIS BOOK WAS HOT. HOOOTTTT. LITERALLY THE TYPE OF BOOK YOU GOTTA EXCUSE YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY AND LOCK URSELF IN UR BEDROOM. THAT TYPE OF BOOK I CANNOT LIEEEE. FUCCKKK I LOVE GRACE CALLAWAY. KEEP EM COMING QUEEN OF SMUT ROMANCE
June 21, 2019
One of my favorites in this series. Polly and Sinjin were the perfect couple.
June 15, 2021
First of all I really recommend this book. It was a good read overall and one of my favorites of the series. I really love tortured heroes and I find it especially interesting when the H or h has a mental illness.
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars? Maybe 4?
October 25, 2017
Short review, but here goes: Though I think Grace Callaway is a very underrated author who deserves far more attention in the HR/romance book world than she gets, I do have to say that some of her work is definitely repetitive. Generally speaking, I've enjoyed most all of her books ... because to enjoy one, is usually to enjoy all. Some are better than others though, but with so many of the components so often being the same, reading them too close to one another is almost an assured way to decrease enjoyment ... I just recently read M is for Marquess (my review), which I enjoyed more, but I think that regardless of having read that recently, I would not have liked this one as much. (What's up with ). In some ways, this book reminded me a lot of Charity and Paul's story (#4 in Callaway's Mayhem in Mayfair series) and the problems I had with that book— Her Prodigal Passion , my review.
It had several romance-book aspects that always annoy me:
* Definitely insta-lust, which for me rarely ever works (especially in HRs). Plus, Polly and Sinjin barely know each other already ~halfway through the book, at which point they're starting to get-together and marriage/relationship talks begin ... they have seriously spent hardly any time together at all!! And half of that (very short) time has been spent either in conflict or with their mouths doing something other than talking ...
* Polly is very insecure about her looks and physique (which in and of itself is not an issue—I like insecure heroines as much as the next reader, as long as it's not too overdone) + we hear constantly (constantly, CONSTANTLY) about how hot and gorgeous and desirable and sexy and god-like Sinjin is ... so much focus on his looks—wtf?! Obviously, physical attraction matters and we expect the hero and heroine to be into one another, and we're all used to most heroes being drop-dead gorgeous, but it really annoys me when we hear so much about it, and it seems especially hypocritical given we prefer heroes who are able to look past first-impressions/initial appearances of our beloved heroines
* Every time Polly gazed anew at Sinjin, her breath caught, she is stunned by his beauty, and her same two body parts react in the same way each and every single time (::rolling eyes::)
After all that, you might be asking: "Ummm, did you like anything about it??" And yes, I did! I know that list makes it seem like I didn't, but it wasn't all bad. One of the reasons I was predisposed to liking this once I realized what Callaway had done was the fact that one of the leading characters has a mental illness—which is very, very rarely done in the genre. Sinjin has what we would nowadays call bipolar disorder, and I've only read one other HR book that ever had a leading character who had bipolar disorder (one of my favs of all time: The Portrait ).
The black devil and the blue devil: that was how he’d come to think of the two opposing sides of his nature. Since his early adolescence, the bloodthirsty pair had staked his mind as their battleground, and even now he could feel their presence, lurking, waiting to make their next move.There's a bit of a paranormal aspect, with Polly's "aura-vision" (though I feel like I've heard of this before in real life??), that gives her the ability to see people's emotions, though . I was very nervous about how Callaway would end things in terms of Sinjin's illness, and fearful that she would have him be "cured" now that he had Polly, a "happy life," and love. I'm very glad to see she didn't do that, but dealt with the whole thing very realistically; the support and acceptance that Polly shows was really fantastic and I really felt for Sinjin and was happy that he felt more comfortable with everything and with his ability to deal with his "inner demons" moving forward.
Random note, but Sinjin is surprisingly young for an HR hero (he's only 26), and so while I do think he was a bit immature at times, it did make more sense when I would remind myself of his age. Furthermore, part of his volatility can be linked to the ups-and-downs of his mood disorder, and given the times, he had a surprising amount of understanding and insight, actually, into his own struggles.
The next book is Rosie's, and although I guessed her match halfway through and it intrigued me, I still don't think I'm tempted enough to pick her story up. She really annoyed me in this book (and somewhat in earlier ones as well), and from the reviews I've read, her selfish bratty ways seem to appear in her story too. Plus, I think I need a Callaway break to be able to enjoy her next book.
If you haven't read my reviews before, you might be questioning my initial claim that this would be short ... usually I make that claim, and it's completely wrong, but here, I have to say I didn't actually go on that long—slightly impressed with myself ;-) lolol.
Recommendations. Here are my favorite Grace Callaway books that I highly recommend. All of her series are somewhat linked and though within the series, they're usually best read in order, it's not always a must (I do recommend that for the Mayhem in Mayfair series).
• Her Husband's Harlot , 4 stars (Mayhem in Mayfair #1)
• Her Wanton Wager , 4 stars (Mayhem in Mayfair #2)
• Her Protector's Pleasure , 4 stars (Mayhem in Mayfair #3) — my review
• M is for Marquess , 4 stars (Heart of Enquiry #2)
July 15, 2019
A cute story about two people who struggled to fit in because they were a bit different.
The hero, Sinjin, was half Chinese, although he was simply described as “exotic” all the time. Polly has the ability to see auras, so that she senses emotions. It is a bit of a curse for her, and she feels like everyone will consider her mad if they find out.
The plot was a bit convoluted (actually, GC's plots often are a bit OTT!) and I just didn't resonate with the characters in the same way as I have with others in this series.
Also, Would that have created stresses in their relationship? Seemed totally random to me.
This was not as strong a book for me as some of the earlier ones, but I enjoyed it all the same.
The hero, Sinjin, was half Chinese, although he was simply described as “exotic” all the time. Polly has the ability to see auras, so that she senses emotions. It is a bit of a curse for her, and she feels like everyone will consider her mad if they find out.
The plot was a bit convoluted (actually, GC's plots often are a bit OTT!) and I just didn't resonate with the characters in the same way as I have with others in this series.
Also, Would that have created stresses in their relationship? Seemed totally random to me.
This was not as strong a book for me as some of the earlier ones, but I enjoyed it all the same.
January 24, 2024
Never Say Never to an Earl
4.5 Stars
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, conceals a lifetime of pain and struggle behind his jaded façade, and believes no one would accept let alone love the man he truly is. Afflicted with a disturbing ability to read others' emotions, Polly Kent keeps her secret, and herself, hidden from the cruelty of the ton. However, a series of unforeseen events force Sinjin and Polly together, and they must choose between a lifetime of loneliness, or confronting and overcoming their fears together.
Polly and Sinjin are wonderful together. Their surface differences only serve to reinforce their similarities, and their chemistry is off-the-charts.
Callaway's portrayal of Sinjin and Polly's "afflictions" is both realistic and heartwrenching, especially the social and medical perceptions of mental disorders in this time period, which, unfortunately, remained the same for centuries to come. The fact that one, i.e., Sinjin's is factual while the other, Polly's aura reading, is paranormal in nature, only highlights the skillful writing and descriptions.
The suspense plot is somewhat convoluted, yet ultimately comes together with a logical explanation. Callaway also produces several excellent red herrings, so the final twist is both surprising and satisfying.
In sum, this is one of my absolute favorites in the series and Callaway is rapidly becoming a go-to author. The final installment focuses on Primrose Kent, and while her actions in this book did not endear her, I am looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Andrew Corbett. plays out.
4.5 Stars
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, conceals a lifetime of pain and struggle behind his jaded façade, and believes no one would accept let alone love the man he truly is. Afflicted with a disturbing ability to read others' emotions, Polly Kent keeps her secret, and herself, hidden from the cruelty of the ton. However, a series of unforeseen events force Sinjin and Polly together, and they must choose between a lifetime of loneliness, or confronting and overcoming their fears together.
Polly and Sinjin are wonderful together. Their surface differences only serve to reinforce their similarities, and their chemistry is off-the-charts.
Callaway's portrayal of Sinjin and Polly's "afflictions" is both realistic and heartwrenching, especially the social and medical perceptions of mental disorders in this time period, which, unfortunately, remained the same for centuries to come. The fact that one, i.e., Sinjin's is factual while the other, Polly's aura reading, is paranormal in nature, only highlights the skillful writing and descriptions.
The suspense plot is somewhat convoluted, yet ultimately comes together with a logical explanation. Callaway also produces several excellent red herrings, so the final twist is both surprising and satisfying.
In sum, this is one of my absolute favorites in the series and Callaway is rapidly becoming a go-to author. The final installment focuses on Primrose Kent, and while her actions in this book did not endear her, I am looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Andrew Corbett. plays out.
March 28, 2022
Amazing. Grace Callaway's writing never ceases to transfix me and this book was no exception. What a captivating and compelling read. A bipolar Hero struggling to find love and acceptance meets a unique wallflower heroine and the sparks fly. There were aspects of this story that really touched my heart. Highly sensual and completely unforgettable, you won't be able to put this one down.
November 25, 2022
The H appears to be cad, but he really been abused. The wallflower h is not accepted by society, she's hiding a secret. They first meeting is disastrous but she saw he needed help, not punishment. He loved her, she's able to calm him and together they find the villain. Very steamy read and I loved that this couple found their happy HEA.
June 29, 2021
4.5
-plus size heroine
-Rake
-Scarred Hero
-hero with bipolar disorder
-carriage sex
-masturbation
-mystery element (hero needs to prove he did not commit a crime!)
-plus size heroine
-Rake
-Scarred Hero
-hero with bipolar disorder
-carriage sex
-masturbation
-mystery element (hero needs to prove he did not commit a crime!)
May 16, 2018
You will fall in love with Sinjin Pelham, Earl of Revelstoke and Miss Polly Kent. They are the perfect book couple.
The story is one of mystery, suspense and very erotic love making. Sinjin and Polly both have secrets and insecurities that are very common to most people. Polly thinks she is too fat and not pretty. Sinjin has Dark Demons of Depression from isolation and abuse by his father and stepmother.
These two people come together and heal each others soul and hearts. They take away the hurts they have received from the people of world and turn it into a passionate, protective and devoted love for each other.
The person or persons trying to frame Sinjin is Not hard to figure out. I just wonder if it was all of them or just one of them who had plotted to take his fortune and title. I didn't like how his mean stepmother didn't get her comeuppance in the end. She deserved to be shamed and disgrace for how she treated Sinjin when he was just a small defenseless child . So 4 stars instead of 5 stars. I like to see all villains get there just deserts.
The story is one of mystery, suspense and very erotic love making. Sinjin and Polly both have secrets and insecurities that are very common to most people. Polly thinks she is too fat and not pretty. Sinjin has Dark Demons of Depression from isolation and abuse by his father and stepmother.
These two people come together and heal each others soul and hearts. They take away the hurts they have received from the people of world and turn it into a passionate, protective and devoted love for each other.
The person or persons trying to frame Sinjin is Not hard to figure out. I just wonder if it was all of them or just one of them who had plotted to take his fortune and title. I didn't like how his mean stepmother didn't get her comeuppance in the end. She deserved to be shamed and disgrace for how she treated Sinjin when he was just a small defenseless child . So 4 stars instead of 5 stars. I like to see all villains get there just deserts.
May 12, 2019
2.5 stars
I was looking forward to Polly's book because of her aura seeing ability, but I'm disappointed. We got to see so little of that ability, and once Sinjin found out, the barely talked about it. Same thing with his "devils". I feel like we didn't get to see a very necessary conversation between the two of them. We're not even told it happened.
I still liked the book, though the villain is thoroughly predictable.
Also sorry Ms. Callaway, Sinjin is a horrible name.
I was looking forward to Polly's book because of her aura seeing ability, but I'm disappointed. We got to see so little of that ability, and once Sinjin found out, the barely talked about it. Same thing with his "devils". I feel like we didn't get to see a very necessary conversation between the two of them. We're not even told it happened.
I still liked the book, though the villain is thoroughly predictable.
Also sorry Ms. Callaway, Sinjin is a horrible name.
August 5, 2024
Kobo+ HR. Mad About Series Challenge 2024. HRBC. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery
MC’s h Polly Kent, wallflower and some psychic abilities ( her secret). H Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, heir to a Dukedom, known as a rakehell.
Miss Polly Kent has no illusions about finding love. Not only is she a wallflower, but her freakish ability to read others’ emotions has led to devastating rejection time and again. When it comes to her future, she knows that a marriage of convenience, one in which she can keep her secret affliction hidden, is the only safe choice. Yet when fate throws her into the path of the ton’s wildest rake, she discovers that desire can jeopardize the most carefully laid plans…
A Rake Who Makes No Apologies for His Past
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke and heir to a duke, has a reputation darker than London’s fog. His exploits have made him the envy of men and the desire of women, but behind his wild and jaded façade lies a painful secret. He knows that no woman can love the devil inside him, yet when he is accused of a ghastly crime, the only one who stands by him is a beautiful virgin, one whose wanton innocence makes him long for the one thing he cannot have…When Good and Wicked Make Perfect
A marriage that begins with smoldering passion soon deepens into something more. All the while, a dangerous enemy lurks, waiting to strike. As Sinjin and Polly untangle the threads of mystery to clear his name, they must confront their greatest fears, risking all for their love—and their very lives
******************************************************************************
Review I Liked: This is the sixth book I've read by Grace Callaway and I've enjoyed all of them, including this one, to varying degrees. As I've mentioned in reviews of the other books in this series, the wording is too modern for my taste, there's so much sex that it nearly kills the story, which is true for this one, as well, and I find myself being put off by it all. I'm not a prude and I really don't have any triggers, but it got so monotonous that I finally ended up skimming through the scenes after awhile.
But all is not lost. The story was quite good. Sinjin is the Earl of Revelstoke, his father is the Duke of Acton. Sinjin is a known rake and makes no effort to hide it until he is accused of the unthinkable; of beating a woman. His father sends him into hiding in a private insane asylum until the mess blows over. While Sinjin is there gathering his wits about him and relaxing, he knows he would never hurt a woman and as he relives and rehashes the night of the incident, he's convinced there was another man in the room. Now he has to prove it and to do that, he has to leave the asylum and that's when he finds out he not merely a guest in hiding. He's a prisoner.
Polly Kent and her sisters are there to perform a musicale for the patients. Polly isn't so interested in it nor is Sinjin who is enjoying the baths of the place when Polly catches him in a compromising position. I won't go any further than that. However, I will go on to say that Polly sees auras of people. I'm not sure how much was known about such things back when this story was set. There's information readily available now with just a few clicks, not that it matters, but few people know this about her and she thinks it makes her a freak and she wants to keep that secret from Sinjin.
But Sinjin has an affliction of his own that he wants to keep from Polly and goes to great lengths to do so. By today's standards, he may be considered bipolar. The Black Devil makes him act on impulse and drives him to take dares while the Blue Devil makes him sad and fills him with doubt and gloom. He doesn't want Polly to see that any more than she wants him to know she sees auras.
Okay, we have a couple of great characters here that keeping secrets from each other, who don't want emotional ties in their relationship, and seem to just want to have lots of sex and that's about it. Of course, it gets past all of that, but not before I got bored and rolled my eyes a few times.
There is some mystery with the whole thing and some secondary characters that kept me turning the pages to a triumphant ending.
*This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
MC’s h Polly Kent, wallflower and some psychic abilities ( her secret). H Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, heir to a Dukedom, known as a rakehell.
Miss Polly Kent has no illusions about finding love. Not only is she a wallflower, but her freakish ability to read others’ emotions has led to devastating rejection time and again. When it comes to her future, she knows that a marriage of convenience, one in which she can keep her secret affliction hidden, is the only safe choice. Yet when fate throws her into the path of the ton’s wildest rake, she discovers that desire can jeopardize the most carefully laid plans…
A Rake Who Makes No Apologies for His Past
Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke and heir to a duke, has a reputation darker than London’s fog. His exploits have made him the envy of men and the desire of women, but behind his wild and jaded façade lies a painful secret. He knows that no woman can love the devil inside him, yet when he is accused of a ghastly crime, the only one who stands by him is a beautiful virgin, one whose wanton innocence makes him long for the one thing he cannot have…When Good and Wicked Make Perfect
A marriage that begins with smoldering passion soon deepens into something more. All the while, a dangerous enemy lurks, waiting to strike. As Sinjin and Polly untangle the threads of mystery to clear his name, they must confront their greatest fears, risking all for their love—and their very lives
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Review I Liked: This is the sixth book I've read by Grace Callaway and I've enjoyed all of them, including this one, to varying degrees. As I've mentioned in reviews of the other books in this series, the wording is too modern for my taste, there's so much sex that it nearly kills the story, which is true for this one, as well, and I find myself being put off by it all. I'm not a prude and I really don't have any triggers, but it got so monotonous that I finally ended up skimming through the scenes after awhile.
But all is not lost. The story was quite good. Sinjin is the Earl of Revelstoke, his father is the Duke of Acton. Sinjin is a known rake and makes no effort to hide it until he is accused of the unthinkable; of beating a woman. His father sends him into hiding in a private insane asylum until the mess blows over. While Sinjin is there gathering his wits about him and relaxing, he knows he would never hurt a woman and as he relives and rehashes the night of the incident, he's convinced there was another man in the room. Now he has to prove it and to do that, he has to leave the asylum and that's when he finds out he not merely a guest in hiding. He's a prisoner.
Polly Kent and her sisters are there to perform a musicale for the patients. Polly isn't so interested in it nor is Sinjin who is enjoying the baths of the place when Polly catches him in a compromising position. I won't go any further than that. However, I will go on to say that Polly sees auras of people. I'm not sure how much was known about such things back when this story was set. There's information readily available now with just a few clicks, not that it matters, but few people know this about her and she thinks it makes her a freak and she wants to keep that secret from Sinjin.
But Sinjin has an affliction of his own that he wants to keep from Polly and goes to great lengths to do so. By today's standards, he may be considered bipolar. The Black Devil makes him act on impulse and drives him to take dares while the Blue Devil makes him sad and fills him with doubt and gloom. He doesn't want Polly to see that any more than she wants him to know she sees auras.
Okay, we have a couple of great characters here that keeping secrets from each other, who don't want emotional ties in their relationship, and seem to just want to have lots of sex and that's about it. Of course, it gets past all of that, but not before I got bored and rolled my eyes a few times.
There is some mystery with the whole thing and some secondary characters that kept me turning the pages to a triumphant ending.
*This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
May 15, 2021
A little different, but it was good enough.
April 1, 2024
4.25/5.
February 5, 2017
Loved this book!
Polly Kent is the youngest of the Kent siblings and probably the most insecure. Since an accident in her youth, Polly has been able to see a person's aura, a gift that she keeps secret as she has been ridiculed for in the past. She has also been the subject of a wager and was hurt badly when she found out. The wager involved a young man she was attracted to, who stole a kiss from her and then later bragged to his friends that he won the wager to kiss the wallflower, not realizing that Polly was on the other side of the hedge. To make matters worse, Sinjin, the Earl of Revelstoke is party to the conversation and makes a comment that Polly totally misunderstands and takes to heart.
Months later when their paths cross again, Sinjin is a "guest" at an private insane asylum and Polly catches him indulging in a very intimate act. Later when Sinjin saves Rosie from an unhinged patient, Polly can barely be civil to him Sinjin has been sent to the asylum by his father after he was accused of beating a courtesan, Sinjin has no memory of the event and can't believe he would ever harm a woman. He suffers with what he calls "his devils" and I believe to be Bipolar Disorder. His father has institutionalize him and is trying to contain the damage.
Polly and Sinjin meet again at her home when Sinjin escapes the asylum and comes to Ambrose for help in clearing his name. He spends the night and the next morning, confronts Polly about her coldness towards him. Once they talk, Polly realizes that she was wrong about him, so when her brother tells Sinjin that he wasn't able to get the witness to recant her story and that he won't be able to help him, Polly's sister Rosie who is smitten with Sinjin and hatches a plan to help clear his name and Polly feels obligated to assist. When Rosie can't make the appointment to visit the witness, she convinces Polly to go in her place. Polly learns that the witness is lying by using her "gift". Sinjin bursts in and drags Polly out, in the carriage the two share a heated encounter and Sinjin insists that they marry.
Polly wants no part in marriage to Sinjin, knowing that he will hate her when he learns of her ability and for his part, Sinjin has no desire to share his devils with her. Polly finally agrees to let Sinjin court her and this causes a rift between her and Rosie. When Polly agrees to marry Sinjin, it is with the condition that they can both keep their own lives private (as long as they do not break their vows), this works perfectly for Sinjin, until it doesn't.
The book is well written, has a lot of twists and turns, a lot of really, really HOT love scenes and a sweet happy ending.
You could read this as a stand alone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order.
Polly Kent is the youngest of the Kent siblings and probably the most insecure. Since an accident in her youth, Polly has been able to see a person's aura, a gift that she keeps secret as she has been ridiculed for in the past. She has also been the subject of a wager and was hurt badly when she found out. The wager involved a young man she was attracted to, who stole a kiss from her and then later bragged to his friends that he won the wager to kiss the wallflower, not realizing that Polly was on the other side of the hedge. To make matters worse, Sinjin, the Earl of Revelstoke is party to the conversation and makes a comment that Polly totally misunderstands and takes to heart.
Months later when their paths cross again, Sinjin is a "guest" at an private insane asylum and Polly catches him indulging in a very intimate act. Later when Sinjin saves Rosie from an unhinged patient, Polly can barely be civil to him Sinjin has been sent to the asylum by his father after he was accused of beating a courtesan, Sinjin has no memory of the event and can't believe he would ever harm a woman. He suffers with what he calls "his devils" and I believe to be Bipolar Disorder. His father has institutionalize him and is trying to contain the damage.
Polly and Sinjin meet again at her home when Sinjin escapes the asylum and comes to Ambrose for help in clearing his name. He spends the night and the next morning, confronts Polly about her coldness towards him. Once they talk, Polly realizes that she was wrong about him, so when her brother tells Sinjin that he wasn't able to get the witness to recant her story and that he won't be able to help him, Polly's sister Rosie who is smitten with Sinjin and hatches a plan to help clear his name and Polly feels obligated to assist. When Rosie can't make the appointment to visit the witness, she convinces Polly to go in her place. Polly learns that the witness is lying by using her "gift". Sinjin bursts in and drags Polly out, in the carriage the two share a heated encounter and Sinjin insists that they marry.
Polly wants no part in marriage to Sinjin, knowing that he will hate her when he learns of her ability and for his part, Sinjin has no desire to share his devils with her. Polly finally agrees to let Sinjin court her and this causes a rift between her and Rosie. When Polly agrees to marry Sinjin, it is with the condition that they can both keep their own lives private (as long as they do not break their vows), this works perfectly for Sinjin, until it doesn't.
The book is well written, has a lot of twists and turns, a lot of really, really HOT love scenes and a sweet happy ending.
You could read this as a stand alone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order.
February 5, 2017
Love this author, as in the main her heroines are curvy ladies, which are my favourites!
I've read all of her books, but this is one of my favourites. I felt that it was a little different to the others, as it touched upon madness and the hero was definitely in need of a great deal of love (I do love a tortured hero - one that does eventually get his HEA of course!). My heart broke during a number of scenes and I was so happy they reached a happy ever after!
I've read all of her books, but this is one of my favourites. I felt that it was a little different to the others, as it touched upon madness and the hero was definitely in need of a great deal of love (I do love a tortured hero - one that does eventually get his HEA of course!). My heart broke during a number of scenes and I was so happy they reached a happy ever after!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
1.5 with lots of kindness .
God ! What a disappointment. Multiple sex scenes does not a book make. Could have been so.much better.
Recommended : ❌ fake it as read.
God ! What a disappointment. Multiple sex scenes does not a book make. Could have been so.much better.
Recommended : ❌ fake it as read.
Shelved as 'might-read'
May 12, 2024On sale for 99 cents for a limited time.
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January 25, 2023
Apufffffff. Pues vale.
De verdad que me gusta mucho cómo escribe Grace Callaway. De verdad que sí. Sus personajes no suelen ser insoportables, su prosa no es pesada y es de las mejores construyendo la tensión sexual, PERO... me ha repetido la misma trama cuatro veces.
En plan, si decido hacer un resumen de este libro sin decir nombres, no sabríais a cuál de todos me estoy refiriendo. A las pruebas me remito.
"Noble británico buenorro y con gustos sexuales un tanto depravados (spoiler: no tanto) se ve envuelto en un lío cuando una serie de asesinatos misteriosos empiezan a suceder en torno a su persona. Angustiado por la posibilidad de que esto tenga algo que ver con su TRÁGICO Y OSCURO PASADO™, lord Fetiches contrata los servicios de Ambrose Kent, el mejor detective privado de la ciudad para que le resuelva el problema, pero no cuenta con la salvaje, inevitable y turbulenta atracción que empieza a sentir con por la hermana del detective, la señorita (inserte nombre de la hermana que corresponda) Kent, que no le cae muy bien, porque es contestona y entrometida, pero con la que se empeñará en casarse antes de alcanzar el 50% del libro. Una cosa llega a la otra, un poco de trabajo detectivesco por aquí, un poco refroteo por allá y en el último 10% la señorita Kent de turno se las arreglará para ser secuestrada por el malo malísimo, rescatada gracias a la inteligencia y gallardía de lord Fetiches y, si hay suerte, fecundada para tener un precioso epílogo bucólico y familiar. The end"
Lo juro, podría ser cualquier libro de esta serie. Y aún así me voy a leer el último porque ya llevo demasiado tiempo invertido aquí y porque el héroe del siguiente libro me resulta interesante.
De verdad que me gusta mucho cómo escribe Grace Callaway. De verdad que sí. Sus personajes no suelen ser insoportables, su prosa no es pesada y es de las mejores construyendo la tensión sexual, PERO... me ha repetido la misma trama cuatro veces.
En plan, si decido hacer un resumen de este libro sin decir nombres, no sabríais a cuál de todos me estoy refiriendo. A las pruebas me remito.
"Noble británico buenorro y con gustos sexuales un tanto depravados (spoiler: no tanto) se ve envuelto en un lío cuando una serie de asesinatos misteriosos empiezan a suceder en torno a su persona. Angustiado por la posibilidad de que esto tenga algo que ver con su TRÁGICO Y OSCURO PASADO™, lord Fetiches contrata los servicios de Ambrose Kent, el mejor detective privado de la ciudad para que le resuelva el problema, pero no cuenta con la salvaje, inevitable y turbulenta atracción que empieza a sentir con por la hermana del detective, la señorita (inserte nombre de la hermana que corresponda) Kent, que no le cae muy bien, porque es contestona y entrometida, pero con la que se empeñará en casarse antes de alcanzar el 50% del libro. Una cosa llega a la otra, un poco de trabajo detectivesco por aquí, un poco refroteo por allá y en el último 10% la señorita Kent de turno se las arreglará para ser secuestrada por el malo malísimo, rescatada gracias a la inteligencia y gallardía de lord Fetiches y, si hay suerte, fecundada para tener un precioso epílogo bucólico y familiar. The end"
Lo juro, podría ser cualquier libro de esta serie. Y aún así me voy a leer el último porque ya llevo demasiado tiempo invertido aquí y porque el héroe del siguiente libro me resulta interesante.
April 2, 2022
Sinjin, Earl of Revelstoke, is my favorite hero of the Heart of Enquiry series so far. Polly is one of my favorite heroines as well. I loved how at first they thought the worst of each other, but quickly realized they had feelings and acted on them, growing together as a couple instead of fighting it. Sinjin’s father was a real piece of work trying to have his son committed and framing him for assaulting a woman only to try and steal his inheritance… after basically doing that to his mother and leaving her to die lonely in an asylum. I love that the Kent family, once again, brings another person into their family fold happily. Sinjin and Polly had agreed on keeping their afflictions (his depressive/ manic moods and her ability to see auras) private from each other to spare any shame but quickly realized they wanted the other to know and to support each other through those hard times. Even tho Polly eventually lost her ability to see the auras, she still weathered the storms of Sinjin’s moods, helping him to put them behind him and not overtake his control anymore.
This book was truly unique and is definitely one of my all time favorites. Also, I counted 8 or 9 steamy sex scenes, so that also makes for a very fun read. 😉 I’m looking forward to the last book in what’s been a very enjoyable series.
This book was truly unique and is definitely one of my all time favorites. Also, I counted 8 or 9 steamy sex scenes, so that also makes for a very fun read. 😉 I’m looking forward to the last book in what’s been a very enjoyable series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
Definitely weaker than the others in the series, but overall this was mostly fine. I liked Polly and Sinjin well enough, but I had real concerns about the set up for Rosie's story (which were then born out when I started it). I don't have a lot else to say about this one. It was fine, but likely one of the more forgettable stories in this universe.
June 30, 2018
A page turner! An innocent and a rake, both with dark secrets come together with explosive passion. A mystery that almost destroys Sinjin makes this story compelling. You can't help but wish that this couple would just reveal their hidden sides and help each other overcome their fears.
July 8, 2021
2.5 stars. "Meh". I didn’t like or dislike it. It surprised me but not in an exciting way. I felt this wasn't the type of HR for me. Those who like smexy over substance, this may be your bag. I prefer more emotions and follow through. The cool idea of seeing auras was dropped and not actually as interesting as the hook made me believe it was. There were a lot of random occurances that weren't random but then did not matter. Eh. I can see why people like it, just not for me for many reasons.
Shelved as 'toread-nah-skip-this-one'
May 30, 2018Couldnt get into it. Florid, overly-contrived... Whiney self pitying MCs. OTT villains and patsies. Blah blah blah...
July 20, 2024
3.5 i guess… it was entertaining but idk, didn't really make me feel all giddy lol
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